Washington, DC – Nancy Keenan, president of NARAL Pro-Choice America, issued the following statement praising President-elect Barack Obama's announcement that he will nominate former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle to serve as secretary of Health and Human Services.

"Our country faces challenges on a number of fronts, especially when it comes to the issue of affordable health care. President-elect Obama's decision to entrust former Sen. Tom Daschle with this enormous task means Americans can count on thoughtful progressive leadership of the critically important Department of Health and Human Services. We had a good working relationship with Sen. Daschle during his tenure as Senate leader, and we look forward to continuing this relationship as he assumes this pivotal role in the Obama administration."